The Puerto Rican Sports and Video Games Association (PRSVGA) wants Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced to allow esports into the country to generate new revenue for the island following effects of COVID-19.

It believes emergency regulation could be introduced to permit esports to help fill the void in revenues from land-based gambling companies.

Gerardo Mora Pérez, Executive Director of the PRSVGA, said: “Given the minimal risk of spread, the potential of esports in the world and especially in the US, it could be added to the urgent need for new revenues in the first phase of reopening.”

The association highlighted how introduced new laws to allow for new gambling verticals during the pandemic

Mr. Pérez: “Only two states, New Jersey and Nevada, have established new strategies during the pandemic to formalise online sports and betting. We know that, due to the emergency, Puerto Rico’s income has plummeted and the online gambling industry is a viable option, as it also complies with the social distancing rules. Estimates from the government of Puerto Rico indicate that, in the next three years, the gaming industry could contribute approximately $148m to the treasury.”